The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Wednesday reported that the Orbiter 4 Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) has been acquired by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). With its smaller size, capable sensor and increased portability, the CR-UAV will provide the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and security forces with improved ground situational awareness. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the acquisition during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate on Wednesday.
According to Mindef, the Orbiter 4 can be employed independently or collaboratively with the existing fleet of larger UAVs for scanning of the battlefield from different altitudes, providing both a bird’s eye view of the battlefield from a higher altitude and conducting in-depth surveillance of specific areas from a lower altitude. It also enhances operational flexibility with its lower logistical footprint, runway independence, and ability to be deployed and set up in a shorter span of time.
The Orbiter 4 CR-UAV is an advanced multi-mission platform manufactured by Israel-based drone specialist Aeronautics Group. Continuing the evolution of the Orbiter line and the Small Tactical UAS, Aeronautics introduces the CR-UAV, an advanced multi-mission platform with extraordinary and versatile carrier, mission and endurance capabilities. The Orbiter 4 delivers top mission performance with its lightest, most versatile and most advanced covert platform available today, for both land and maritime operations.
The CR-UAV can simultaneously carry multiple payloads, extending its ISTAR capabilities. With its ease-of-use, low logistical footprint and small crew of 3 personnel, Orbiter 4, the runway-free aircraft suits all operational needs. The Orbiter 4 builds on the successful system design of the Orbiter 3 STUAS, with its advanced avionics, communications and ground control features and applications. The acclaimed legacy capabilities of the field-proven Orbiter UAS family remain.
